How Do I Unfollow Everyone on Instagram? The Ultimate Guide

Let’s cut to the chase. You want to purge your Instagram following list, starting fresh or perhaps rethinking your social media diet. There’s no built-in “unfollow all” button on Instagram itself. So, how do you unfollow everyone on Instagram? You’ll need to rely on third-party apps or a bit of manual labor to accomplish this feat. Proceed with caution when using third-party apps, as Instagram frowns upon automation and may temporarily or permanently ban your account. But don’t fret, we’re here to guide you safely through the best methods.

The Unvarnished Truth: Manual Unfollowing vs. Third-Party Apps

The path you choose depends on your tolerance for time investment versus potential risk. Unfollowing manually is tedious but safe, while using third-party apps is faster but carries inherent risks. Here’s a breakdown:

Manual Unfollowing: The Safe, But Tedious Route

This is exactly what it sounds like: going through your following list and unfollowing each account one by one.

• How to do it: Open your Instagram profile, tap on “Following,” and then tap “Following” next to each account you want to unfollow. Confirm your choice.
• Pros: Safe. Instagram won’t penalize you for human activity.
• Cons: Extremely time-consuming, especially if you follow hundreds or thousands of accounts. It’s mind-numbingly repetitive.
• Best for: Accounts with a relatively small following or those who want to be very selective about who they unfollow. This method allows you to easily identify and avoid unfollowing people you care about.

Third-Party Apps: Speed Comes at a Price

Numerous apps claim to unfollow accounts in bulk. They typically automate the process, saving you considerable time. However, use these with extreme caution. Instagram’s algorithms are designed to detect automated activity, and engaging in it can lead to account restrictions.

• How to do it: Download a reputable third-party unfollowing app (available on app stores; research reviews carefully). Link your Instagram account (be very sure about the app’s security before doing this). Set the unfollow parameters (e.g., unfollow a certain number per hour). Start the process.
• Pros: Fast. Saves significant time compared to manual unfollowing.
• Cons: Risky. Violates Instagram’s Terms of Service. Can lead to account suspension or permanent ban. Many apps are riddled with ads or require paid subscriptions. Data privacy can be a concern. You might also accidentally unfollow accounts you wanted to keep following.
• Best for: Accounts with extremely large followings only if the user understands and accepts the risks and has done extensive research on a secure app. Even then, proceed slowly and with a very conservative unfollowing rate. We strongly advise against this method unless absolutely necessary and you are completely comfortable with the potential consequences.

Cautious Approach with Third-Party Apps: Mitigation Strategies

If you’re determined to use a third-party app, mitigate the risks by following these guidelines:

• Research thoroughly: Read reviews, check the app’s privacy policy, and look for reports of bans or account issues.
• Start slowly: Begin with a small batch of unfollows and monitor your account for any unusual activity or warnings from Instagram.
• Introduce breaks: Don’t unfollow continuously for extended periods. Take breaks to mimic human behavior.
• Vary your unfollowing rate: Don’t stick to a rigid number of unfollows per hour. Vary the pace to appear more natural.
• Consider a VPN: While not foolproof, a VPN can mask your IP address and make it harder for Instagram to track your activity.

Browser Extensions: A Middle Ground?

Some browser extensions offer similar functionality to third-party apps but run directly within your web browser. They can be slightly less risky than downloaded apps but still carry the potential for violating Instagram’s terms. The same cautions apply: research thoroughly, start slowly, and monitor your account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you further in this potentially treacherous landscape of unfollowing en masse.

1. Is it against Instagram’s Terms of Service to use third-party unfollowing apps?

Yes, it generally is. Instagram’s terms prohibit automation and any activity that mimics bot-like behavior. Using apps to automatically unfollow accounts falls squarely into this category.

2. What happens if Instagram detects me using an unfollowing app?

Instagram may take several actions, ranging from temporary restrictions (e.g., limiting your ability to follow, like, or comment) to a permanent account ban. They might issue a warning first, but don’t count on it.

3. How many accounts can I unfollow per day without getting flagged by Instagram?

There is no magic number. Instagram’s algorithms are complex and constantly evolving. However, as a general rule, aim to unfollow no more than 50-100 accounts per day if unfollowing manually, and even fewer if using an app, to avoid triggering suspicion. This is a guideline, not a guarantee. The slower, the better.

4. Are there any safe unfollowing apps?

No app is completely “safe.” All third-party apps carry some degree of risk. However, some apps are more reputable than others. Look for apps with high ratings, positive reviews, transparent privacy policies, and a track record of avoiding bans. Even with these, there’s still risk involved.

5. Can I unfollow everyone at once on Instagram?

Not through Instagram’s native interface. You’ll need to resort to either manual unfollowing or third-party apps, each with its own drawbacks.

6. Will unfollowing a lot of people affect my engagement rate?

Potentially, yes. If you unfollow accounts that actively engage with your content, your engagement rate (likes, comments, shares) may decrease. Think strategically about who you unfollow.

7. Is there a way to see a list of accounts that don’t follow me back?

Yes, some third-party apps and browser extensions offer this functionality. However, again, use caution and ensure the app is reputable. Some apps can also identify “ghost followers” – inactive accounts that contribute nothing to your engagement.

8. Can I unfollow everyone on Instagram from my computer?

Yes, you can use either manual unfollowing through the Instagram website or use a browser extension designed for this purpose. Be sure to follow our warnings related to third-party apps and using automated processes.

9. If my account gets temporarily restricted, how long will the restriction last?

Restrictions can vary in duration, ranging from a few hours to several days or even weeks. The length depends on the severity of the violation and your account history.

10. Is there a difference in risk between using an unfollowing app on iOS versus Android?

The platform itself doesn’t necessarily dictate the risk. The key factor is the reputation and trustworthiness of the specific app you choose, regardless of whether it’s on iOS or Android.

11. What’s the best alternative to unfollowing everyone if I just want to clean up my feed?

Instead of unfollowing, consider utilizing Instagram’s “Close Friends” feature to prioritize content from your most important connections. You can also use the “Mute” feature to silence accounts you don’t want to see without unfollowing them. This cleans up your feed without severing connections.

12. Once I unfollow someone, can they see that I’ve unfollowed them?

Instagram doesn’t send notifications when someone unfollows you. However, they can easily check your profile to see if you’re still following them. There are also third-party apps that track unfollows, though these aren’t always accurate.